Interpretation of pressure-depth data from confined underpressured aquifers exemplified by the Deep-Basin Brine aquifer, Palo Duro Basin, Texas

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Water Resour. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/WR021i004p00533· OSTI ID:5451957

Orr, E D; Kreitler, C W

Investigations of underpressure aquifers can be improved by accounting for factors that impede accurate interpretation of pressure-depth plots. Poor data quality and distribution obscure true pressure-depth trends. Plotted data may also be distorted by the hydrogeologic setting, i.e., the surface topography, the structural dip of the aquifer, and the potentiometric surface. In the Palo Duro Basin in the Texas Panhandle, distortions caused by the hydrogeologic setting are reduced by delineating regions having little variations in surface topography and in structural dip of the aquifer. Pressure-depth plots for these regions vary considerably. The effects of the hydrogeologic setting on these plots were evaluated by computing pressure-depth data for flow parallel to the structural dip of the aquifer in each region. By comparing regression lines through real pressure-depth data with those through computed data, true hydrologic conditions could be distinguished from the misleading effects of the hydrogeologic setting on pressure-depth plots.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas, Austin
• DOE Contract Number: AC97-83WM46651
• OSTI ID: 5451957
• Journal Information: Water Resour. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Res.; (United States) Vol. 21:4; ISSN WRERA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
FEDERAL REGION VI
HYDROLOGY
MATHEMATICS
NORTH AMERICA
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
REGRESSION ANALYSIS
STATISTICS
TEXAS
USA